The debate over the NBA’s greatest players is as timeless as the game itself. From legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to modern icons like LeBron James and Steph Curry, players, analysts, and fans have often crafted their “Mount Rushmore” of basketball. But when NBA greats like Shaquille O’Neal and Caron Butler weigh in, the conversation takes on a deeper resonance.

Recently in an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Butler was asked to name his ‘Mt. Rushmore’ in the NBA universe. The assistant coach of the Miami spared no moment in answering that. “My Mt. Rushmore would have to be Kareem, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. That’s easy for me,” said Butler during the interview.

This conversation gained traction after Shaq, speaking with Iman Shumpert on his podcast, criticized how frequently Kobe Bryant is omitted from top-five conversations. “They [people] don’t mention Kobe in a lot of these conversations,” said Shaq to which Shumpert had replied, “Shame on them.”

And up to some extent, the seven-footer was right.

Kobe Bryant’s career, spanning two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, is a testament to greatness. He finished his illustrious journey with five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, one league MVP (2008), and 18 All-Star appearances, Also in his career, he averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 1,346 regular-season games. But looking beyond his stats, Butler emphasized how Bryant was always focused on imparting his knowledge to the younger generations to develop basketball.

“Kobe was giving young people a way to be inquisitive and inspired. He was setting the stage for the next generation. I wanted to do the same with Shot Clock and Clutch Time, but with a twist—these are real stories, drawn from real life. It’s the kind of narrative I wish I had growing up, something people like me could relate to,” added Butler.

Caron Butler’s support for Bryant carries weight due to his own credibility in the league. A two-time All-Star, Butler was known for his gritty defense, scoring versatility, and leadership. Over 14 seasons, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Though his career lacked the championships of his Mount Rushmore picks, Butler’s respect for greatness stems from firsthand experience battling NBA legends.

However, while Bryant and the other icons made Butler’s all-time list, it was someone else the Miami Heat assistant coach credits his growth to.

Caron Butler was inspired by Allen Iverson

The stories of redemption in the NBA often transcend basketball, and Allen Iverson’s journey is a prime example. Before becoming a cultural icon and Hall of Famer, Iverson faced legal troubles as a teenager, serving four months in prison for a controversial conviction after a fight.

In an exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, Caron Butler shared how Iverson’s advice became a cornerstone of his own transformation. “I think from you know cultural icon, kinda what you said about Dwyane Wade, I think Allen Iverson, he’s personally one of my favorite players ever, just because of you know, my upbringing and where I come from.”

Having gone through a similar experience himself, Butler reveals “if you can go through stuff and make it through anything like, he inspired me that, ‘Oh man I can go to college, Allen Iverson did it.”

Caron Butler, like Iverson, experienced hardship at a young age. Butler, who grew up in a rough area of Racine, Wisconsin, became involved in dr-g selling and other means, was arrested multiple times. But yet, following Iverson, Butler walked on the right path, eventually clinching a championship in 2011. Like Iverson, he proved that with the right mindset, setbacks can be overcome—a legacy both men proudly share.